we’ve weathered the storm

42 x 32 x 3. intended to be hung horizontally or vertically. handcrafted poplar wood frame stained black. concrete + sand + oil + ground black onyx + plaster were layered 4+ times. sanded + reenvisioned. after the layers of texture were dry, it was painted with copper paint. after the copper paint was dry, we laid a green patina aging oxidizing rust over the copper. creating the beautiful rust you see underneath the brushed black pigment + watercolor. 

Some of the most beautiful things in life are created by time. Statues can reflect this change brought about by time. Some metal statues we know to be beautiful green/bluish green with different tones and patterns. Those that have this look are the older ones that have been exposed to the variety of conditions that the weather brings. The harsh conditions of the storms and wind over time cause the oxidation of the copper which produces the most unique patina rust. We, like the copper, have had weathering, we've had life leave scars on us that change the look of our skin, we've had tough times that have changed who we are as individuals, pain felt deep to our core that re-rights our dna, and before it has time to heal, the pain is dominant over us internally and externally. just like the oxidation of the copper when it was still in the process of making that change. there are times we still hurt and challenge the thought of being broken. Like the statue needs time to develop that thick layer of newly colored rust, we need time to heal, to adapt, to change. When the final layer of patina rust has finished forming, the statue is stronger and more resilient to the weather. We too transform as we learn from the harsh conditions in life and turn that pain into strength and wisdom. Through that transformation, we've become stronger, different, and beautiful: in a way that reflects our growth, our weathering process, our tough lessons learned, and some of those that there is no way to learn but by enduring such treacherous pain. We have weathered the storm and come out on the other side changed. Our layer of patina is beautiful and shows resilience. We are like statues that have been through many storms. They have stories of time that you can see, and strength you can feel, from the layer of patina it developed enduring through the years.